Two Most Controversial African Movies of the Decade
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Christina Ngene
I am a movie enthusiast with a passion for writing and a desire to see the African movie industries grow. I try to use my skills as an artist to cheer for Nollywood by writing for NollyMania. • Syndicate Correspondent
This last decade appears to have shaken the world of movies with lots of significant controversies that will take a while to annihilate. Inclusion raised uproars, diversity attracted sentiments and all were backed by the increase of social media use last decade. Some of these controversial moments have laid a building block for what is to come next decade.
Two African movies drew attention worldwide from topics that are unrelated to popular controversial subjects. The world seems to be changing faster than we know and there are proofs everywhere.
Lionheart – 2018
The idealist drama ‘Lionheart’ by Genevieve Nnaji first sparked a worldwide recognition for being the first Nigerian Netflix original movie. It further stirred a conversation for inciting feminism but that expired quickly. Towards the end of 2019, the Academy called for 2020 submissions and Nigeria made a run with ‘Lionheart’ and received a warm welcome.
Genevieve intends to change the narratives 
Genevieve Nnaji at the Toronto International Film Festival
Lionheart was the first from Nigeria and its acceptance was shortlived. Days later, it was disqualified for being ‘too English’ and what came after that was agitations and reactions from around the globe. Several news sites, media and press released their opinions regarding this. Many were suggesting that the reason for disqualification is offensive.
Though it was disqualified from the Oscars, it probably still stands a chance at the AMAA Awards 2020.
‘Lionheart’ currently has no awards under its belt and there is no record of submission at the AMAA awards 2019 for consideration.
Rafiki – 2018
To the shock of the entire world, Kenyan filmmaker Wanuri Kahiu generated a blast with gay movie ‘Rafiki’. The movie immediately acquired the tag inappropriate for trying to sell the idea of same-sex relationships among Africans. It was banned in certain African countries as well as in Kenya.
Wanuri Kahiu would not accept any compromise 
Kenya Film Classification Board offered to compromise if Kahiu will change the ending of the film which gives hope to same-sex relationship, but she refused. No one in Kenya was to be seen with the film or face 14 years imprisonment. There was a global outrage due to this.
To make the film eligible for submission on the 91st Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, it has to screen in theatres in the country. The ban made that impossible, the Kahiu sued the government in Kenya.
The ban was later lifted by Kenyan High Court allowing it to screen in the country. For Kenya’s submission at the 91st Academy Awards Foreign Language category, Supa Moda made the cut and not ‘Rafiki.
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